Fire Brigade Blog

When you are a firefighter, people’s lives are in your hands. Their safety, welfare, and rescue all depend on you in times like a fire emergency. Even if this kind of job puts your own life in danger, you find comfort in knowing that you are making a big difference in so many people’s lives. Being firefighter is still one of the most rewarding careers that enable you to help people in such a great way.

For aspiring firefighters in the UK, a long qualifying process is necessary to ensure that only the cream of the crop are able to get into the fire brigade. UK fire departments only get the best of the best when it comes to fire brigade recruitment. After all, being a firefighter is not the easiest job in the world. You need to have everything that it takes to become one.

If you are wondering what steps you need to undertake to become a firefighter in the UK, here are some bits and pieces of practical information.

Application

First, you will need to submit a Fire and Rescue Service application. You need to be at least 18 years old to be able to do this. This application form will seek background information from you that will be used in doing criminal background search. Be very careful when filling out this form for you to be shortlisted.

Psychological Test

A 3-hour psychological test is the next step in the process. This test will be composed of 3 parts that will test the applicant’s mathematical abilities, information comprehension, and problem solving skills. Once you pass the psychological test, you will be sent off to physical testing.

Physical Test

Before you are able to take this test, you will need to undergo a general medical screening with a physician. If you are deemed fit enough to try out this test, you will be allowed to do so. This test is also known as the National Firefighter Physical Tests, which is composed of 6 parts. The sections will test your abilities in enclosed areas, ladder climbing, ladder lifting, fire equipment assembly, and fire equipment carrying. If you are able to pass the physical test, you will be asked to participate in an interview.

Interview

In this part, the interviewer will ask a set of questions to probe your character, moral judgment, ability to solve problems, and other matters that can help the fire brigade determine if you are fit for the job. After this, you will go on to the final medical test.

Medical Test

A general physician will conduct a final medical test primarily on your lung capacity and physical stamina. The physician will also test your hearing, step, and other health aspects relevant to firefighting.

Fire Brigade Training

After you have passed all the tests, that is the only time that you would be able to undergo fire brigade training. You will undergo comprehensive training to learn the ins and outs of firefighting such as emergency procedures, rescue and evacuation processes, and assembly and operation of all fire equipment including fire hose, fire extinguishers, fire ladders, fire trucks and so many more.

After reading this article, you would realize that not only is it hard to work as a firefighter, but it is also difficult to become one. You will need to go under several comprehensive tests and screening processes, and an even more extensive training procedure before you become a firefighter in the UK. But after you become one, you would know that all your efforts are surely worth it.